PENNSYLVANIA: Good Shepherd Parish Sued For Its Property

Mainline Anglo-Catholic Parish Told to Turn over Title and Accounting of Monies Spent

By David W. Virtue
www.virtueonline.org
2/28/2009

Attorneys for The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania sued the Anglo-Catholic parish of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Rosemont on Philadelphia's historic mainline Friday, telling the rector and Vestry to turn over title to the church property and demanding an "accounting" of church monies and assets.

In 2002 Bishop Charles Bennison inhibited and "deposed" the Rev. David Moyer. Bennison always wanted to seize the property of Good Shepherd. He first tried to do it in February of 2002. Now after 7 years, the Standing Committee has decided to try and seize the property.

Stunned and shocked by the diocesan action, Bishop David L. Moyer told VOL, "We approached the Diocese of Pennsylvania seeking an amicable solution. Now we are stunned to receive a response of aggression with the intent to terminate the life and mission of a diverse Christian community on the Main Line engaged in healing the sick, caring for the poor, and witnessing to the love of God as set forth in the Gospel of the Gospel of Jesus Christ."

Last Monday, John H. Lewis Jr., parish attorney was notified by attorneys for the Diocese of Pennsylvania that a Petition had been filed in the Orphans' Court of Montgomery County on February 19. In it, the Diocese asks the Court to require that the Church, the Rector and the officers of the Vestry turn over title of the Church's property to the Diocese and further to require that these representatives of the Church provide the Diocese with an "accounting," or specific listing of how the Church's monies have been spent and assets have been used.

"We learned of this Petition the day before the scheduled meeting of Mr. Lewis and Mr. Tammany with Ms. Kohart (Attorney for the Diocese) and Mr. Rehill (Chancellor of the Diocese) to discuss the issue of negotiations," said Moyer.

Bishop Moyer told VOL that there has been no decision or action of the parish to formally disassociate itself from the Diocese.

"I met today with the Legal Advisory Team and have asked them to review this Petition and its supporting documentation and applicable case law carefully so that we can make a considered decision weighing the strengths of the Diocese's opposition and the merits of various possible responses of the Church of The Good Shepherd."

In a letter to the parish, Bishop Moyer said that life would continue as normal in the parish. "We do not anticipate any disruption in that. In the Providence of God, we have been called to face a serious challenge as people who are committed to the revealed religion of historic Christianity - a challenge that demands our complete trust in God and our dependence on Him for wisdom and strength."

"The Wardens, Vestry, and I are totally committed to ensuring the ongoing life and witness of our beloved parish, that we remain who we are and where we are in this glorious building built by Harry Banks French in 1894 in which the walls emanate the prayers of generations of faithful men and women. I ask for your fervent prayers that we be graced with wisdom, courage, and unity of mind and spirit."

Moyer said the Vestry will hold a special meeting this Sunday (Lent I) after the 10:00 am Mass in lieu of the Adult Forum to talk about the lawsuit.

"Having entered my 20th year as The Good Shepherd's 10th Rector, our purpose remains strong (as new people come every Sunday) as an orthodox Anglo-Catholic parish committed to fostering personal holiness, educating our adults and children in the faith once delivered to the saints, and mission work near and far, while offering God worship and devotion in ritual and ceremony that aims to give God the very best."

This is the second Anglo-Catholic parish in the diocese to be sued for its property. In 2001 the Diocese of Pennsylvania sued St James the Less. By 2005 the final judgment resulted in the parish and its priest being forced to leave the property. They are now worshipping in Bala Cynwyd at West Laurel Hill Cemetery Chapel.

St. James the Less property has been empty for several years. St. Mark's Locust Street has adopted the parish. The parish is a National landmark. Its historic cemetery has five bishops buried in the church yard.

Legal documents can be viewed here: http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/content/rosemont_090219.pdf

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